I spent about 20 minutes on the phone Sunday night with Jim Tracy, the now ex-manager of the Rockies. Some of our discussion was on the record, but much of it was off the record.

What really struck me was Tracy’s lack of rancor, his lack of bitterness. He sounded tired, and a bit relieved. But he was clearly at peace with his decision to leave the Rockies. He spent much of our conversation emphasizing how much he cares for his players and all of those in the organization.

During a TBS conference call today to discuss the All-Star game, former Atlanta Braves great John Smoltz told The Denver Post that he likes the Rockies’ four-man rotation experiment. The 75-pitch count, he admitted, needs to be increased. But given Colorado’s struggles — the starters own a 6.38 ERA entering Wednesday’s game against the Nationals — he said it’s time to think outside the box.

“It’s something I have always said that Colorado needs to do. It’s hard to develop homegrown pitchers and hard to get guys to eat innings,” Smoltz said.

“You don’t have the depth, so why not? You treat it like it’s spring training where you have three-to-four pitchers. I think it’s a really good idea. It could keep them fresh. Personally, I like it.”

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.